Wrong Yorkie Turns Up

Denise Conner-Battle thought she had her Yorkshire terrier William back, but it was a case of mistaken identity. (Published Monday, Apr 5, 2010)

"Its just heartbreaking because he is part of my life," she said. "He is my family … it's like he is my child. I know he is scared, he doesn't know these people. He is not use to being around a lot of people. Everybody wants him back."

Battle said she was at a laundry off Pennsylvania Avenue in southeast Washington and left William in the car for just a few moments. She sais she quickly went inside to ask a friend to watch him. Just minutes later, someone smashed in the window and her 1-and-a-half-year-old Yorkie was gone, Battle said.

"I don’t understand how people can be so cruel and take something that doesn't belong to them," she said.

On Monday, there was hope of a possible mom and pup reunion when a man came forward after the story aired on NBC4. He called the station saying he had recently found a Yorkshire Terrier in the area of Pennsylvania Avenue. The two were then put in contact and organized a meeting at the University of Maryland, College Park campus. Battle however, took one look at the dog and determined it was not William.

She is still hopeful though. Battle bought the Yorkie with a pet tracking microchip and has also filed a police report.